Brussels, 04/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - The conference on micro-finance in Europe will mark the official opening of the European micro-finance instrument, Progress, which aims to facilitate access to credit for micro-ventures. Organised by the Commission, the conference will be held on 9 and 10 November, in Brussels.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Joëlle Milquet and Commissioners László Andor (employment, social affairs and inclusion) and Johannes Hahn (regional policy) will open the day's business on Tuesday 9 November at 2.00pm. They will speak on the way micro-finance and the entrepreneurial spirit contribute to the objectives of the EU 2020 strategy and to economic and social cohesion within the EU. A round table will follow on the role of the public authorities in promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and financial inclusion.
Wednesday 10 November will be devoted to the way Progress operates, and to the Jasmine initiative, which was launched by the Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to develop micro-credit institutions in favour of employment and growth. For information: europa.eu/eucalendar/event (G.B./transl.jl)